Spring is here, yay! I can’t wait for the sunny weather because people tend to loosen up, smile and be friendlier when it’s nice outside. But more importantly nice weather equals trendy fashions, beautiful travel and fantastic functions.

This past weekend I attended what has become one of the major spring kick-off events in the region, the 30th annual Stockton College Scholarship Benefit at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. Wow, what an event! Joe Piscopo performed, everyone was dressed beautifully, and with approximately 750 attendees the college raised more than $625,000. To raise that kind of money in today’s economy is an excellent feat and it shows how important education is to our community. We are enabling thousands of kids to get an excellent education right here in our backyards. We are lucky to have Stockton and we thank them for their community support. (See video.)

Now to the fashions. Marvin and Mary Santos, owners of Serenity Boutique in Smithville, say it’s all about mixing the outrageous with elegance this season. It’s about the smart and sexy looks paired with the sporty and delicate styles. The biggest colors this spring, according to Mary Santos, are turquoise, coral and some pastels.

Come check out the store and get a VIP card and see how Serenity’s style of service and professional background in fashion will give you an experience of a brand-name boutique with affordable prices.

Raina Trocki and Dan Dicker, owners of Simply Fly in Northfield, tell us that jumpers will be in a this summer, as well as flowy silk tops and boyfriend tees. Easy throw-on dresses are always a must during this time of year as well. It’s all about simplicity and feeling confident in what your wearing.

At Simply Fly, they have something for every occasion including fashions for an afternoon at the playground with the kids, a day at the office or a late-night out. They also carry timeless jewelry and accessories. With all the designer brands in stock you don’t have to travel; they bring the latest fashions to you.

In our area, the convenience factor for not having to travel far for clothes and accessories is wonderful — from the Hamilton Mall and the dozens of nifty Mainland shops to The Walk and the Pier Shops at Caesars in Atlantic City — but traveling for leisure and relaxation is a must. Susan Berman, president of Berman Travel, specializes in land vacations for people’s upcoming honeymoons, destination weddings, and family vacations to the Caribbean and Mexico.

According to Berman, the hottest travel destination right now is Riviera Maya, Mexico. It’s a quick flight to the Cancun airport (from Philadelphia) and there are many fantastic all-inclusive resorts there, both adults-only and family resorts. Summer is a great time to take advantage of lower prices and great deals, so you may want to start planning now. Berman suggests some great places, including The Real Resorts in Cancun and Playa del Carmen and The Excellence Resorts in Playa Mujeres and Riviera Maya, just to name a few. To talk travel and pick your vacation dates with Berman, call 345-2129.

Speaking of dates, over the next week there are a couple local events that you might want to keep on your own radar.

First, on Tuesday, May 4, the Atlantic City Convention Center will host the 2010 New Jersey Governor’s Conference for Women. The theme of this year’s conference is: “A Passport To Your Future.”

If you plan on attending, there will be a special networking reception the night before (May 3, 7-9pm) at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel’s Crown Ballroom.

I go every year to this conference. There are thousands of attendees and it’s a great opportunity to meet fabulous women from all over New Jersey. Make time and go!

Have you been hearing things about this summer’s planned First Atlantic City Summer Solstice Parade? Well, on Thursday, May 6, a Greater Atlantic City Jaycees Mixer for the parade will be held at the Hard Rock Cafe at the Trump Taj Mahal from 5-8pm. We will have body painting on the Boardwalk and drink specials inside. If you’d like to come, RSVP to acjaycees@yahoo.com. Plus, the actual parade will take place on June 26 at 1pm. If you would like to participate — by either building a float, decorating a rolling chair, or being a part of the parade, send an email to acsolsticeparade@gmail.com.

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Whitney Ullman

Whitney is an on-air multimedia personality, and works behind the scenes helping businesses gain extra exposure, through her WIN Promotions video production services.

She is an Entertainment Reporter with work featured on Explore New Jersey, The Marc Berman Radio Show & Occasionally FOX29 Good Day Philadelphia. She is the former Host & Co-Producer of Access AC Live and covered Atlantic City Entertainment for NJ.com. As a freelance writer, Whitney's columns were published in multiple press outlets including: GoJaneNews.com The Atlantic City WeeklyNew Jersey Lifestyle Magazine &The Boardwalk Journal just to name a few.

She is the former host of the Entertainment Minute which aired on the NBC40 News and was featured twice on FOX's Chasing New Jersey.